As the last chapter of my University life draws to a close, I look back at all that I've done these past 4 years and wonder if it's all relevant to the future that lies ahead, given that Engineering isn't my first choice of career path. However, I can gladly say that I could use at least 1 module in my future endeavours, and that will of course be ES2007S.
I can still remember the day when I had to bid for 1 last UEM on CORS so as to fulfill the ECE department's requirements, but couldn't find a suitable one (ie. non-examinable). Then, from the corner of my eye, a bright light shone from my neighbour's room. It was Hanrong bringing me the good news I needed to hear: he and a group of my Mechanical Engineering friends were going to take ES2007S, and it fulfilled all the critera that I needed, so wala! Here I am, typing one last blog entry for this module.
This module has taught me the importance of communication skills, seeing how it affects interviews, resume writing and formal presentations. In particular, I've found the tips on interviews very useful, as I've found opportunities to actually carry them out when going for real interviews. The potential questions have prepared me well, whilst the videos shown during the lesson has given me an added insight on the difference between a make and a break interview.
Now if I could only learn the importance of punctuality... hmmmm....
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Wordplay
John and Peter walk into Church on a hot Sunday morning for the weekly religious service. Being a heavy smoker, John always wondered whether it would be all right to smoke while praying. Peter replies, "Why don't you ask the Priest?"
And so John did. After the service has ended, John goes up to the Priest and asks, "Priest, may I smoke while I pray?" But the Priest says, "No, my son, you may not. That's utter disrespect to our religion."
Dejected, John goes back to his friend and tells him what the good Priest told him. Peter says, "I'm not surprised. You got it all wrong and asked the wrong question. Let me try." And so this time it's Peter's turn to try his luck. He goes up to the Priest and asks, "Priest, may I pray while I smoke?"
To which the Priest eagerly replies, "By all means, my son. By all means."
This is a funny story I came across once while studying the effects of effective communication. Sometimes it not only matters what you're trying to ask for, it's also important the way you ask it. For example: "Can I go on vacation while doing this project?" will definitely warrant a 'no' for an answer. However "Can I work on this project while I'm on vacation?" will probably get your boss to rethink his decision, and he might even approve your request.
Wordplay is an important skill. Find the right words, as well as the correct way to put your request across, and I'm sure somehow you'll be able to convince anyone about anything you like.
And so John did. After the service has ended, John goes up to the Priest and asks, "Priest, may I smoke while I pray?" But the Priest says, "No, my son, you may not. That's utter disrespect to our religion."
Dejected, John goes back to his friend and tells him what the good Priest told him. Peter says, "I'm not surprised. You got it all wrong and asked the wrong question. Let me try." And so this time it's Peter's turn to try his luck. He goes up to the Priest and asks, "Priest, may I pray while I smoke?"
To which the Priest eagerly replies, "By all means, my son. By all means."
This is a funny story I came across once while studying the effects of effective communication. Sometimes it not only matters what you're trying to ask for, it's also important the way you ask it. For example: "Can I go on vacation while doing this project?" will definitely warrant a 'no' for an answer. However "Can I work on this project while I'm on vacation?" will probably get your boss to rethink his decision, and he might even approve your request.
Wordplay is an important skill. Find the right words, as well as the correct way to put your request across, and I'm sure somehow you'll be able to convince anyone about anything you like.
BioData
Lester Teo is a final year Engineering Student in the National University of Singapore majoring in computer engineering. Equipped with a vast knowledge of programming language including C and C++ language, Assemably language, HTML as well as Java, Lester has completed numerous large scale projects such as the creation of a miniature airport with fully working automated systems and a mixed reality billiards game that allows its user to perform real life billiard movements to play a virtual game instead.
Working in groups, Lester is an effective leader when called upon to step up to bring the team forward; and he's also a dynamic and passionate team player, always giving his all for the team's cause. An organized and highly motivated indivitual, Lester has a high inclination for learning, and coupled with his creative and tenacious nature, high quality work is always guaranteed when it falls into his hands.
Having worked overseas in Virginia, USA, Lester has achieved a heightened level of confidence and is better prepared for living and succeeding in a global environment. He has also enhanced his programming capabilities by honing his skills as a network programmer at Creative Technology. Finally, Lester has taken up various leadership roles when it comes to the different CCAs that he's taken part in, including being the tennis captain for his hall's gold medal winning team, as well as the chairperson for the hall's muscial group. This experience has no doubt given him a greater insight on how to lead large groups to success.
Working in groups, Lester is an effective leader when called upon to step up to bring the team forward; and he's also a dynamic and passionate team player, always giving his all for the team's cause. An organized and highly motivated indivitual, Lester has a high inclination for learning, and coupled with his creative and tenacious nature, high quality work is always guaranteed when it falls into his hands.
Having worked overseas in Virginia, USA, Lester has achieved a heightened level of confidence and is better prepared for living and succeeding in a global environment. He has also enhanced his programming capabilities by honing his skills as a network programmer at Creative Technology. Finally, Lester has taken up various leadership roles when it comes to the different CCAs that he's taken part in, including being the tennis captain for his hall's gold medal winning team, as well as the chairperson for the hall's muscial group. This experience has no doubt given him a greater insight on how to lead large groups to success.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Intercultural
Two cups of yogurt walk into a bar. The bartender says "We don't serve your kind in here." One cup of yogurt says, "Why not? We're cultured individuals."
Different people come from different cultures, stemming from family background, to ethnicity, to nationality and religion among many other factors like beliefts, habits and traditions. Invidually, we're all "cultured' in our own unique ways, and this becomes evidently so especially in a foreign land, where intercultural interactions will either bring out the good, the bad, or in the worst case scenario, the ugly side of us. Singaporeans can identify really well due to our renowned sense of "kiasuism", however, I've encountered an instance that proved that no matter how low you hit, rock bottom is still some distance away.
I worked in the United States during the summer of 2007, living it up in the rustically beautiful city of Richmond, Virignia. I stayed at a local university hostel together with other international students there for a summer job.
On my first day checking in, I noticed a clear divide between the Asians and Europeans. Blame it on the media planting this false imagery of all Europeans being so elegant and demure in their own subtle ways, but the first thought that came to mind was that we Asians were totally going to be made to look like uncouth brutes engaging in petty and "kiasu" ways.
To my surprise, the Eastern Europeans turned out to be the barbarians living in the building. They were always cutting queues, rushing for food and transport, never apologising when in the wrong and most of all, speaking in their native language and staring at us like they were insulting us (okay I admit I do that too). This changed my mindset about the difference in levels of graciousness between them and us, Asians. We were made to look good! Even the Americans thought so. I don't know if they were brought up this way or it's just a cultural thing back at home, but this goes to show that Asians can maintain their pride and dignity in the face of intercultural interaction in a foreign land.
Proud to be an Asian.
Different people come from different cultures, stemming from family background, to ethnicity, to nationality and religion among many other factors like beliefts, habits and traditions. Invidually, we're all "cultured' in our own unique ways, and this becomes evidently so especially in a foreign land, where intercultural interactions will either bring out the good, the bad, or in the worst case scenario, the ugly side of us. Singaporeans can identify really well due to our renowned sense of "kiasuism", however, I've encountered an instance that proved that no matter how low you hit, rock bottom is still some distance away.
I worked in the United States during the summer of 2007, living it up in the rustically beautiful city of Richmond, Virignia. I stayed at a local university hostel together with other international students there for a summer job.
On my first day checking in, I noticed a clear divide between the Asians and Europeans. Blame it on the media planting this false imagery of all Europeans being so elegant and demure in their own subtle ways, but the first thought that came to mind was that we Asians were totally going to be made to look like uncouth brutes engaging in petty and "kiasu" ways.
To my surprise, the Eastern Europeans turned out to be the barbarians living in the building. They were always cutting queues, rushing for food and transport, never apologising when in the wrong and most of all, speaking in their native language and staring at us like they were insulting us (okay I admit I do that too). This changed my mindset about the difference in levels of graciousness between them and us, Asians. We were made to look good! Even the Americans thought so. I don't know if they were brought up this way or it's just a cultural thing back at home, but this goes to show that Asians can maintain their pride and dignity in the face of intercultural interaction in a foreign land.
Proud to be an Asian.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Critique
WAT USA Summer 2008 Recruitment Roadshow - Helper Shortlist
From: Speedwing (xxxxxxxxx@gasi.com.sg)
Sent: 13 September 2007 08: 10AM
To: ;
Dear You
Thank you for indicating your interest in helping out at the Work & Travel USA Summer 2008 Recruitment Roadshow. You have been shortlisted to be in the team of helpers at this event.
We would now like to confirm that you will be able to commit to the dates required. Please read through the following details below and reply to this e-mail to confirm whether you are (1) able to meet the dates and times (2) or not. Please kindly reply by this Friday 14 Sep 2007 (tomorrow). Thanks!
Details:
Briefing Session (compulsory)
Date: 13th Oct 2007 (Sat)
Time: 2pm - 4pm (approximate)
Pay: unpaid (but fingerfood and dessert will be provided)
Venue: TBA
Description: Students will be briefed on individual roles and responsibilities for the recruitment roadshow. The emphasis is on the importance of each student understanding his or her role so as to enable the successful running of the actual recruitment roadshow.
Recruitment Roadshow - Work & Travel USA Summer 2008
Date: 20th Oct 2007 (Sat)
Time: 7am - 6pm
Pay: S$6 per hour inclusive of lunchtime (lunch will be provided)
Venue: Orchard Hotel Ballroom
Description: Actual recruitment event where US employers and CIEE personnel will be giving presentations and conductng interviews with new applicants for the upcoming season. Each of your roles will be crucial to the smooth operation of the event.
As we are selecting students based on approximate numbers required for each employer, please do not be troubled in case your friend(s) have not been included. This e-mail is specifically for you. We can only finalise the list of helpers depending on the overall response. Hence, once again, please kindly reply by this Friday, 14 Sep 2007 (tomorrow). Please do not hesitate to check with me if you have any questions. Thanks and I look forward to your response!
Best regards
Mingshen
Speedwing Training (Asia) Pte Ltd
x Goldhill Plaza, #xx-xx, Singapore xxxxxx
Tel: 65-6xxx-xxxx ext. x Fax: 65-6xxx-xxxx
Website: http://www.speedwing.org/
Monday to Friday
10 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 5 PM
(By appointment only)
Moving Beyond Borders, Learning Beyond Limits
My Critique:
The purpose of this email is to inform me that I've been shortlisted to help out at a Work & Travel USA Summer 2008 Recruitment Roadshow. It follows an appropriate format, where the sender, date of email sent, subject, salutation and sender address are clearly stated. However, as this is a computer generated email, the receiver of the letter is not stated but merely replaced by a ";", while the letter is addressed to "dear you", not having that personal touch of addressing the receiver by name. This is clearly lacking a form of courtesy.
Next, the email proceeds to inform the receiver of relevant information pertaining to the event. Information is passed on very clearly and concisely, with important names printed in bold, while other important details like instructions on what to do next and closing dates printed in red to draw the reader's attention and emphasize its importance. Further details are then printed in blue to indicate a set of information that one has to take note if he/she reads the email another time but does not want to take the hassle of reading the introduction and ending of the email but go straight to the point for relevant event details. One thing to take not here is that though all information is clear and precise, some readers might not understand the use of short forms like TBA (To Be Advised) and so the sender should refrain from using it but spell it out in full instead.
Finally, the sender concludes the email and signs off rather informally, which I think is not a bad thing as it adds a bit of personal touch and friendliness. He also provides information such as address, phone number, email and even opening hours to facilitate the reader on how, when and where to reply or respond to the email. Simple, coherent and accurate use of language is evident in the email, giving the reader a sense of completeness after reading the email, knowing that there is no information lacking whatsoever. Overall a very professional electronic mail.
From: Speedwing (xxxxxxxxx@gasi.com.sg)
Sent: 13 September 2007 08: 10AM
To: ;
Dear You
Thank you for indicating your interest in helping out at the Work & Travel USA Summer 2008 Recruitment Roadshow. You have been shortlisted to be in the team of helpers at this event.
We would now like to confirm that you will be able to commit to the dates required. Please read through the following details below and reply to this e-mail to confirm whether you are (1) able to meet the dates and times (2) or not. Please kindly reply by this Friday 14 Sep 2007 (tomorrow). Thanks!
Details:
Briefing Session (compulsory)
Date: 13th Oct 2007 (Sat)
Time: 2pm - 4pm (approximate)
Pay: unpaid (but fingerfood and dessert will be provided)
Venue: TBA
Description: Students will be briefed on individual roles and responsibilities for the recruitment roadshow. The emphasis is on the importance of each student understanding his or her role so as to enable the successful running of the actual recruitment roadshow.
Recruitment Roadshow - Work & Travel USA Summer 2008
Date: 20th Oct 2007 (Sat)
Time: 7am - 6pm
Pay: S$6 per hour inclusive of lunchtime (lunch will be provided)
Venue: Orchard Hotel Ballroom
Description: Actual recruitment event where US employers and CIEE personnel will be giving presentations and conductng interviews with new applicants for the upcoming season. Each of your roles will be crucial to the smooth operation of the event.
As we are selecting students based on approximate numbers required for each employer, please do not be troubled in case your friend(s) have not been included. This e-mail is specifically for you. We can only finalise the list of helpers depending on the overall response. Hence, once again, please kindly reply by this Friday, 14 Sep 2007 (tomorrow). Please do not hesitate to check with me if you have any questions. Thanks and I look forward to your response!
Best regards
Mingshen
Speedwing Training (Asia) Pte Ltd
x Goldhill Plaza, #xx-xx, Singapore xxxxxx
Tel: 65-6xxx-xxxx ext. x Fax: 65-6xxx-xxxx
Website: http://www.speedwing.org/
Monday to Friday
10 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 5 PM
(By appointment only)
Moving Beyond Borders, Learning Beyond Limits
My Critique:
The purpose of this email is to inform me that I've been shortlisted to help out at a Work & Travel USA Summer 2008 Recruitment Roadshow. It follows an appropriate format, where the sender, date of email sent, subject, salutation and sender address are clearly stated. However, as this is a computer generated email, the receiver of the letter is not stated but merely replaced by a ";", while the letter is addressed to "dear you", not having that personal touch of addressing the receiver by name. This is clearly lacking a form of courtesy.
Next, the email proceeds to inform the receiver of relevant information pertaining to the event. Information is passed on very clearly and concisely, with important names printed in bold, while other important details like instructions on what to do next and closing dates printed in red to draw the reader's attention and emphasize its importance. Further details are then printed in blue to indicate a set of information that one has to take note if he/she reads the email another time but does not want to take the hassle of reading the introduction and ending of the email but go straight to the point for relevant event details. One thing to take not here is that though all information is clear and precise, some readers might not understand the use of short forms like TBA (To Be Advised) and so the sender should refrain from using it but spell it out in full instead.
Finally, the sender concludes the email and signs off rather informally, which I think is not a bad thing as it adds a bit of personal touch and friendliness. He also provides information such as address, phone number, email and even opening hours to facilitate the reader on how, when and where to reply or respond to the email. Simple, coherent and accurate use of language is evident in the email, giving the reader a sense of completeness after reading the email, knowing that there is no information lacking whatsoever. Overall a very professional electronic mail.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Conflict: The man with the egg
John was a nasty and grumpy old farmer who never shared any of his produce or crops with his neighbours. Tom was a conniving little man always looking out for a bargain or a chance to pull a quick one over his neighbours if it meant sealing a good deal at the expense of friendship. Where's this story going? You got it... these two lived side by side in an old town right at the edge of the city, and they were about to have an interesting conflict.
John's favourite hen laid one egg every single day on his garden, bringing him unbridled joy due to its productivity and consistency. Not to mention, a delicious omelette for breakfast every morning. However, one day John woke up to find out that his hen had laid an egg on Tom's front porch instead of his garden.
John was about to go next door to retrieve his egg when Tom opened his front door and duly claimed the egg as his own.
"This is my egg now! Your hen laid in on my property!" Tom exclaimed with a cheeky grin, estactic with the thought that he finally pulled a fast one over his miserly neighbour.
"But my hen laid it!" And the argument went on and on and on...
Now this was getting a tad out of hand when Peter, who lived across the street was awoken from his slumber. Curiously, he staggered out of his house and lumbered towards the couple bitching like two teenage girls. After hearing the story, Peter came up with the perfect solution.
"Here's what you guys should do..."
What solution could Peter have possibly offered? Hmmm...
John's favourite hen laid one egg every single day on his garden, bringing him unbridled joy due to its productivity and consistency. Not to mention, a delicious omelette for breakfast every morning. However, one day John woke up to find out that his hen had laid an egg on Tom's front porch instead of his garden.
John was about to go next door to retrieve his egg when Tom opened his front door and duly claimed the egg as his own.
"This is my egg now! Your hen laid in on my property!" Tom exclaimed with a cheeky grin, estactic with the thought that he finally pulled a fast one over his miserly neighbour.
"But my hen laid it!" And the argument went on and on and on...
Now this was getting a tad out of hand when Peter, who lived across the street was awoken from his slumber. Curiously, he staggered out of his house and lumbered towards the couple bitching like two teenage girls. After hearing the story, Peter came up with the perfect solution.
"Here's what you guys should do..."
What solution could Peter have possibly offered? Hmmm...
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Importance of Communication Skills
Have you ever been misquoted, leading to a huge misunderstanding because a friend heard "dyeing" as "dying", rushing to the supposed scene of the crime only to find the person in question getting new blond locks? Or have you ever been threatened or sworn at after making an innocent "peace" sign while taking a photograph next to those tall bushy hat waring British guards along the streets of London? Yeah I know it is a bit of an exaggerated scenario, but think about this: If only we knew and rectified the mistakes we made in communicating our thoughts, be it with words or non-verbally, we can not only avoid such confusion, but also develop stronger relationships in places like the office. That's the beauty of effective communication, and why it's important to develop proper communcation skills.
Effective communication starts with a strong command of language. With the right use of words, crisp pronounciation and correct interpretation, one can accurately transmit his thoughts, feelings or information effectively. This way, people interacting with each other can understand one another well and carry out relavant tasks more efficiently. This is especially important in the workplace because everyone knows that time is money, and if the proper channels of communications are used, much can be accomplised to achieve the optimum results that mangement requires.
Of course, verbal communication is but a mere 7% of effective communication. A major aspect of developing effective communcation skills is to also learn the art of body language. A simple slouch of the body or that intense frown on your boss' face can tell you much more than what's coming out of his mouth. Learning to read and interpret these non-verbal gestures will ultimately improve a person's EQ and his sensitivity towards the hidden meanings between the lines of someone else's speech. This is not a skill that can be taught but something that one has to learn throughout his life through constant face to face interactions. This helps in scenarios such as when meeting with clients or day to day activities with fellow colleagues. Sometimes when words just don't say everything, we can use this communication skill to further comprehend what the other party is trying to say and hence, either cater to a client's needs more readily, or forge stronger bonds with your family at work.
Developing effective communcation skills is an asset when dealing with our daily routines, such as at the workplace or even at home with our loved ones. It goes a long way in ensuring we maintain good relationships as well as a high level of professionalism at work. This is what we should aim for... because that's what life is all about isn't it?
Effective communication starts with a strong command of language. With the right use of words, crisp pronounciation and correct interpretation, one can accurately transmit his thoughts, feelings or information effectively. This way, people interacting with each other can understand one another well and carry out relavant tasks more efficiently. This is especially important in the workplace because everyone knows that time is money, and if the proper channels of communications are used, much can be accomplised to achieve the optimum results that mangement requires.
Of course, verbal communication is but a mere 7% of effective communication. A major aspect of developing effective communcation skills is to also learn the art of body language. A simple slouch of the body or that intense frown on your boss' face can tell you much more than what's coming out of his mouth. Learning to read and interpret these non-verbal gestures will ultimately improve a person's EQ and his sensitivity towards the hidden meanings between the lines of someone else's speech. This is not a skill that can be taught but something that one has to learn throughout his life through constant face to face interactions. This helps in scenarios such as when meeting with clients or day to day activities with fellow colleagues. Sometimes when words just don't say everything, we can use this communication skill to further comprehend what the other party is trying to say and hence, either cater to a client's needs more readily, or forge stronger bonds with your family at work.
Developing effective communcation skills is an asset when dealing with our daily routines, such as at the workplace or even at home with our loved ones. It goes a long way in ensuring we maintain good relationships as well as a high level of professionalism at work. This is what we should aim for... because that's what life is all about isn't it?
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